Initial Consultation
Your shiatsu session typically begins with a brief consultation where the practitioner asks about your health history, current concerns, lifestyle, and any areas of tension or discomfort. This helps the practitioner tailor the session to your needs. You may be asked about your energy levels, sleep quality, digestion, and emotional well-being, as shiatsu practitioners view health holistically.
Treatment
During the treatment, you remain fully clothed and lie on a padded mat or massage table. The practitioner uses their hands, fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows, and knees to apply pressure along meridian pathways and to specific points on your body. Pressure is typically firm but not painful, and you should communicate if anything feels uncomfortable. The session flows rhythmically, with the practitioner working methodically along different areas of your body. A typical session lasts 45 to 90 minutes and may include gentle stretching or joint mobilization. Many people find shiatsu deeply relaxing, and some fall asleep during treatment.
After Treatment
After your session, you may feel relaxed, energized, or occasionally slightly tired as your body integrates the effects. The practitioner may offer simple self-care recommendations, such as drinking water, resting, or doing gentle stretches at home. Some people experience immediate relief from tension, while others notice benefits developing over the following hours or days. It is normal to feel thirsty or to have a slight detoxification response in the day following treatment.
Follow-up Sessions
Many practitioners recommend regular sessions for ongoing benefit, typically weekly or bi-weekly initially, then spacing them out as your condition improves. The frequency depends on your individual needs, concerns, and response to treatment. Your practitioner will discuss a recommended treatment plan during your initial visit.